GNSS Multi-Frequency Signal Detection for Urban Multipath Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals, such as GPS, face inaccuracies in location measurement due to multi-path interference from buildings and structures, especially in urban areas, where signals are reflected or refracted, leading to incorrect device positioning.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with GNSS reception circuits for multiple frequency bands and wireless communication capabilities, which detects the multi-path state by analyzing signal vectors and selecting the most accurate signals to determine location, excluding multi-path signals and utilizing alternative positioning methods when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electronic device uses only GPS signal with L1 frequency band for location measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the location measurement accuracy deteriorates in urban areas with multi-path interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal reception system into multiple frequency band segments (L1, L5, and other GNSS frequencies) and processes each segment separately to detect multi-path states. By segmenting the signal analysis by frequency band, the system can identify and filter multi-path interfered signals more effectively, improving location accuracy without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by receiving GNSS signals across multiple frequency bands (not just L1). This parameter change allows the system to exploit frequency diversity - different frequency bands experience different multi-path propagation characteristics, enabling the device to select cleaner signals and achieve better location accuracy in urban environments
2Measurement precision
If the electronic device receives and analyzes multiple frequency signals to detect multi-path state, then the location measurement accuracy improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only certain frequency bands and signals based on detected multi-path conditions. Instead of continuously analyzing all available signals at full processing depth, the system performs targeted analysis on signals showing multi-path characteristics, reducing overall computational energy consumption while maintaining accurate location measurement
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the frequency parameter to include multiple bands, the system can exploit the fact that not all frequency bands are equally affected by multi-path interference at any given time. This allows selective use of cleaner frequency bands, reducing the need for intensive signal processing and lowering energy consumption while maintaining accuracy
3Reliability
If the electronic device uses only GNSS signal for location determination, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of location measurement deteriorates in areas with concentrated buildings or structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into multiple independent signal sources operating at different frequency bands. By dividing the positioning function across multiple frequency segments, the system can identify when certain segments are affected by multi-path interference and rely on other segments, improving reliability in urban canyons without requiring a complete alternative positioning system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary resource for position verification. When GNSS signals show multi-path interference, the system uses wireless communication signals as a mediating reference to cross-validate position information, thereby maintaining reliable location determination in challenging urban environments without directly increasing GNSS receiver complexity
4Measurement precision
If the electronic device filters out multi-path signals and uses additional positioning methods, then the location measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning methodologies (multi-frequency GNSS signal processing, multi-path detection algorithms, and wireless communication-based positioning) into a unified positioning system. By combining these approaches, the system achieves high location accuracy in urban environments while managing complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) reception circuit configured to receive a first signal having a first frequency and a second signal having a second frequency; a wireless communication circuit configured to support cellular communication or short-range communication; a processor operably connected to the GNSS reception circuit and the wireless communication circuit; and a memory operably connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that enable the processor to perform operations when the instructions are executed, the operations including receiving the first signal using the GNSS reception circuit; receiving the second signal using the GNSS reception circuit; receiving at least one third signal using the wireless communication circuit; determining existence of a multi-path state, based at least on the first signal and the second signal; and selecting at least one of the first signal, the second signal, or the third signal in order to determine a location of the electronic device, based at least on the determination.